Funny how we look the other way concerning the 'devouring of widows houses', the clerical deal , religious titles, the devasting tithe, etc., etc.. Allow me to rant....that's what some call exhorting.
Much inherited from Rome. Rome inherited from the Chaldeans. All pagan therefore destructive. Anti Christ. We have forgotten how to be shamefaced. Forgotten how to 'quit ye like men'. Forgotten how to put on the Berean attitude and tenacity. Forgotten plain ole horse sense.
Red lights have flashed before you in the past on these issues and more. But you simply thought it was indigestion or something. No! It was the Holy Spirit trying to get your attention saying about a thing 'this is not of Me!'
The pulpiteers are slick and are careful what scripture to avoid.
I digress I guess.....its a mess! Thank God many are on to them and are taking a stand for the clear teachings of scripture forced to exit the city. Read the prophets. They get it.
We are content to go with the flow. There's a price to be paid, a cost for breaking free from error and falsehood. If you don't believe me, ask the prophets, ask Paul who was cast out by many 'churches' he had started. Do you care to stand alone? I didn't think so!
He said 'the more I love, the less I am loved'. What was Paul's problem anyway? Why did many christians not like him? Maybe he was just bitter. He'd been hurt. Maybe to dogmatic. Maybe he needed to cool his jets. Way to radical. All the above!
Even today, many christians do not like Paul for his sound teaching! They don't come out and say so but they sure don't care to line up with his doctrine and instructions.
Yea I'm digressing but not really. The deeds of the Nicolaitans is just the tip but foundational for much evil of which I have already listed.
Tear down those deeds, and much of that abuse would stop. To 'conquer the folks'. Well said Jesus! Do you think maybe, just maybe He knew what He was talking about? The 'church' marches on as if it doesn't believe He did! Wake me up when you get there!